Shubman Gill will also be out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury. BCCI sources informed on Saturday that his neck injury is expected to take a long time to heal.
Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant and senior batsman KL Rahul can be considered for captaincy while senior batsman Rohit Sharma is also in the team. There is also little possibility of Gill playing in the upcoming T20 International series against South Africa starting from December 9.
According to reliable BCCI sources, Gill’s injury is not just a neck spasm. He will need rest and the Indian team management will not rush his return. Gill suffered neck cramps while batting in the first Test in Kolkata. He could not play the Guwahati Test due to injury. He is currently in Mumbai where his tests including MRI are being done.
The source said, “Tests are being done to see whether there is a muscle injury or tissue injury.” As of now, the selectors are hopeful that he will be fit for the T20 against South Africa. ,
It is learned that Gill has consulted Mumbai-based spine specialist Dr Abhay Nene and has forwarded the examination of the medical report to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
“Gill has been given an injection to reduce the pain symptoms,” a BCCI source said. He will need some time to rest before starting rehabilitation, training and skill work. There is every possibility that his playing in the T20 International series may also be doubtful. ,
Pant is a strong contender for captaincy who is also captaining in the second test. However, in the last one year he has played only one ODI. Yashasvi Jaiswal can open the innings with Rohit Sharma.
Abhishek Sharma can be the reserve opening batsman. Harshit Rana, Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will take care of the fast bowling. Jasprit Bumrah may be rested. Hardik Pandya, who is suffering from injury, will play only T20 till the World Cup next year. Kuldeep Yadav may take a break due to personal reasons. In such a situation, the onus of spin will be on Akshar Patel, Varun Chakraborty and Washington Sundar.